4 Kosher Restaurants in Provence, Southern France

If you're traveling to the South of France on one of your kosher vacations, it can be a challenge to find kosher food. It's a culinary destination revered for its fresh produce and rustic fare like cassoulet, a delicious bean stew. There are also plenty of excellent kosher options to choose from. Below, you can check out a list of 4 kosher restaurants in Provence so you can dine with local flair.

L’Escapade

L'ESCAPADE Restaurant is a well-known kosher restaurant located in the charming town of Salon-de-Provence, in southern France. This elegant and modern restaurant offers a range of delicious and sophisticated dishes that are inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the region. In addition to its exquisite cuisine, L'ESCAPADE Restaurant is also known for its exceptional service. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are dedicated to ensuring that each and every guest has a memorable dining experience.

La Table de Pablo

La Table de Pablo is a charming and intimate kosher restaurant located in the picturesque village of Villars en Luberon, in the heart of the Luberon region of southern France. The restaurant is run by a husband and wife team who are passionate about creating exceptional kosher cuisine. The menu at La Table de Pablo features a range of delicious and creative dishes that are inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean and the Provençal region.

Le Restaurant l’Atelier

Restaurant l'Atelier is a chic and sophisticated kosher restaurant located in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, a charming town in southern France. The restaurant is known for its elegant décor, exceptional service, and delicious kosher cuisine. The menu at Restaurant l'Atelier offers a variety of French and Mediterranean-inspired dishes that are prepared with the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. In addition to its exceptional cuisine, Restaurant l'Atelier is also known for its exceptional service. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are dedicated to ensuring that each guest has a memorable dining experience,

La Boîte à Sardine

La Boîte à Sardine is a delightful and vibrant kosher restaurant located in the charming city of Marseille, in the south of France. The restaurant specializes in seafood dishes, particularly sardines, and is renowned for its delicious and authentic cuisine. The menu at La Boîte à Sardine features a variety of fresh and flavorful dishes, all prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. Also, The restaurant's interior is cozy and eclectic, with colorful decor, quirky art pieces, and a lively atmosphere.

Overall, If you’re someone who is into Jewish travel and is worried about finding kosher food in a new and unfamiliar place like Provence in the South of France, then make sure you keep these restaurants in mind. Make your kosher vacation much more worthwhile by enjoying the local kosher food your destination has to offer.

The World's 7 Greatest Synagogues

Synagogue in Brighton

Synagogues, the houses of worship for the Jewish faith, are often among the most beautiful and historically significant buildings in any given city. Synagogues are also great destinations to visit when you’re on a kosher tour around the world. The world is filled with beautiful synagogues. Each one unique in its design and purpose. But there are a few which stand out from the rest. Here are seven of the world's greatest synagogues you should visit on your glatt kosher tour.

 

Belz Great Synagogue, Jerusalem, Israel

The largest synagogue in Israel, Belz Great Synagogue can accommodate up to 10,000 worshipers at once. It is known for its grandeur, with a beautiful ark, towering stained-glass windows, and ornate chandeliers.
Park East Synagogue, New York City, USA

Located on Manhattan's Upper East Side, Park East Synagogue is known for its stunning Neo-Byzantine architecture. The synagogue's main sanctuary features intricate murals, soaring ceilings, and a stunning Ark.

Central Synagogue, London, England

This stunning synagogue in the heart of London is known for its stunning Moorish Revival architecture. It features a dome-shaped roof, intricate arches, and a stunning ark, all of which create a truly awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Dohány Street Synagogue, Budapest, Hungary

The largest synagogue in Europe, the Dohány Street Synagogue is known for its unique combination of styles, including Moorish, Byzantine, and Romantic. It features a grand central nave, beautiful stained glass, and a stunning Ark.

Hurva Synagogue, Jerusalem, Israel

The Hurva Synagogue, located in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, has a long and complicated history. Destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, the current synagogue is a stunning example of Neo-Byzantine architecture and features a grand dome and ornate columns.

Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue, Recife, Brazil

This synagogue, built in the 17th century, is the oldest synagogue in the Americas. It features a simple but elegant design, with whitewashed walls and a beautiful Ark. It is also home to a small museum about the history of the Jewish community in Brazil.

Beth Sholom Synagogue, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, USA

Designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Beth Sholom Synagogue is a stunning example of modernist architecture. It features a striking roofline and a stunning sanctuary with a circular Ark and intricate stained glass windows.

These are just a few examples of the many stunning synagogues around the world, each with its own unique beauty and history. Visiting a synagogue during your kosher tour vacation can be a powerful experience, offering insight into the rich cultural and religious traditions of the Jewish people.

5 Tips To Remember Before You Eat Kosher

Eating kosher is an important part of Jewish dietary laws and observance. Make sure you're doing everything you can to keep those dietary restrictions in check, even when you’re kosher touring or vacationing. Here are five tips to remember before you eat kosher at home or on vacation:

Check for Certification

Always look for a kosher certification symbol on the packaging of your food items or in the restaurant you’re dining in. Kosher certification is a seal of approval that indicates that a product has been prepared in accordance with Jewish dietary laws. This means that the ingredients used to make the food—and the food itself—have been inspected and approved by a rabbi who has been trained in kosher law.

Separate Dishes and Utensils

Keep separate dishes and utensils for meat and dairy products. This will help you avoid mixing up your dishes and inadvertently mixing meat with dairy or vice versa. These must be washed thoroughly before they can be used again. This is a crucial aspect of keeping kosher, as mixing meat and dairy is strictly forbidden in Jewish dietary laws.

Know the Ingredients

Be aware of the ingredients in the food you consume. Especially when you’re in an unfamiliar location. You might be too nonchalant when you’re on kosher vacations or kosher Europe tours. Some ingredients like gelatin, shellac, and some food colorings may be derived from non-kosher sources. Also, certain animal parts like the sciatic nerve and some fats are not kosher.

Avoid Non-Kosher Restaurants

Try to avoid eating in non-kosher restaurants, as the kitchen may use utensils or cookware that has been contaminated with non-kosher ingredients. Even ordering vegetarian dishes may not be safe, as they may be cooked with the same utensils as non-kosher dishes.

Ask Questions

If you are unsure about the kosher status of a food item or a restaurant, don't be afraid to ask questions. A rabbi or someone knowledgeable in Jewish dietary laws can help answer any questions you may have and ensure that you are able to eat kosher with confidence.

3 Days in Tel Aviv as a Jewish Traveler

The land of milk and honey beckons, and the wanderlust needs must be satisfied. Tel Aviv promises endless adventure and a good time for every tourist who is looking to join Jewish heritage tours in the area. Whether you're looking for beaches and shopping, fun and parties, there's a lot to keep any traveler satisfied. With this in mind, here's a 3-day itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Tel Aviv:

Day 1: Explore the city

Start your trip with a walk along the Tel Aviv beach promenade. Stop for breakfast at one of the many cafes that line the way and enjoy a cup of coffee or freshly squeezed juice. Next, head to the trendy neighborhood of Neve Tzedek for a stroll through the picturesque streets lined with boutique shops and cafes. From there, make your way to the Carmel Market for a sensory overload of colors, sounds, and smells. Browse the stalls of fresh produce, spices, and street food vendors. End your day with a visit to Jaffa, the ancient port city that is now a bustling hub of galleries, cafes, and shops.

Old Jaffa Street

Day 2: Cultural immersion

Start your day with a visit to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, which features an impressive collection of contemporary and classical art from Israel and around the world. Next, head to the Bauhaus Center to learn about the city's unique architecture style, which has earned it a UNESCO World Heritage designation. For lunch, head to the Yemenite Quarter to sample the traditional dish of Jachnun, a flaky pastry served with tomato sauce and hard boiled eggs. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the charming neighborhood of Florentin, known for its street art and eclectic vibe. End your day with a visit to the Habima Theater, Israel's national theater, which features a mix of classic and modern performances.

Day 3: Food and wine

Start your day with a visit to the Carmel Winery, one of Israel's oldest and most respected wineries. Take a tour of the vineyards and winery, and enjoy a tasting of some of the region's best wines. For lunch, head to the port of Jaffa and dine at one of the many seafood restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. In the afternoon, visit the Levinsky Market, known for its exotic spices and gourmet food products. End your day with a visit to one of Tel Aviv's many gourmet restaurants, which offer a wide range of cuisines from around the world.

With this itinerary, you'll be able to experience the best that Tel Aviv has to offer - from its vibrant culture and history, to its world-class culinary scene and stunning natural beauty. Consider joining Jewish heritage tours or kosher river cruises to make the most out of your trip. All you have to do is relax and have fun!